Warning Signs That You Are in Bad Health

Subtle changes in hair such as losing more than usual when brushing it may be a sign of inadequate protein, iron, or vitamins in the diet. Whatever the nutritional deficiency is, it can usually be reversed by eating the proper amount of foods that are rich in protein, iron, and vitamins.

Changes in fingernails are often related to diet. Brittle nails are a common sign of the body lacking certain nutrients, especially iron. An iron, protein, or vitamin B deficiency can result in weak nails because the body doesn’t have enough to produce healthy nails. Brittle nails can also indicate thyroid disease.

High blood pressure, or hypertension, has been called a “silent killer” by the American Heart Association, and vision changes are a sign of the chronic condition. High blood pressure is a condition in which the force of the blood flowing through the body’s blood vessels — including those in the eyes — is consistently too high. The damage of those tiny blood vessels can lead to blurred vision and even blindness if left untreated.

Bleeding gums during teeth brushing is as normal as bleeding knees when taking a shower. Bleeding gums can be a sign of periodontitis, a gum infection that damages the gums and may destroy the jawbone if left untreated. Other symptoms of the gum disease include swollen or red gums, bad breath, and painful chewing.

Bad breath — more specifically, smelling like a mixture of eggs and garlic — can be a symptom of liver disease. When the liver is not functioning properly, it doesn’t filter out toxic substances from the body, including those that contain sulfur. Sulfur substances end up in the bloodstream and give the breath a distinct bad smell when a person exhales.